Single Publication

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Public Information Officer, Amy Ricotta, 970-823-4060

Bucktail Fire Update – August 11, 2024, 9:30 a.m. 

Nucla, Colorado 

Start Date: August 1, 2024

Cause: Unknown

Size: 7,202 acres

Percent Contained: 60% 

Resources Assigned: 121 personnel

Crews (2); Engines (5); Water tenders (2); Air Resources (2); Heavy Equipment (3)

Yesterday: Rain helped tamp down fire behavior which assisted firefighters to reach 60% containment on the 7,202-acre fire. Crews strengthened containment lines and patrolled the fire perimeter. Firefighters worked on suppression repair work, which involves a series of actions taken to mitigate impacts caused by firefighting activities. While the fire area closure remains in effect, Highway 90 was opened to through traffic. The roads and trails north of Highway 90 in the fire area remain closed. 

Today: Fire behavior continues to decrease and is staying within its current footprint with less smoke anticipated. Firefighters are patrolling the area, securing containment lines, and mopping up hot spots. Suppression repair efforts continue with crews using heavy equipment and hand tools to return impacts caused by firefighting activities to a more natural state.  While the number of personnel on the fire will continue to decrease significantly over the next few days, resources will remain on scene to assist and complete any remaining work on the fire line. 

Weather: Monsoon moisture remains in place for the next few days through early next week, resulting in more widespread showers and storms capable of heavy rain, frequent lightning and gusty winds. Today’s temperatures will range from 78-83 degrees Fahrenheit while relative humidity will be 39-44%. 

Evacuations: None.

Closures:  While the area closure remains in effect, Highway 90 is open to through traffic at 12:01 a.m., August 10, 2024. The roads and trails north of Highway 90 in the fire area remain closed.

Road and area closures are in place within the proximity of the fire for public and firefighter safety. This includes 25 Mesa Road to the northwest, as well as Houser Road, Cottonwood Trail, and Hwy 90 to the south. The closure area also includes all roads and trails within this boundary. For a complete list of closed roads and a map of the closure area, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/coupd-bucktail-fire. 

The BLM temporary Emergency Closure Order and map are posted to the BLM Southwest District Fire page under Current Fire Restrictions & Notices / Uncompahgre Field Office at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/southwest-district. 

The Forest Service temporary Emergency Closure Order and map are posted on the Forest Service Website at: fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1198456.pdf. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If You Fly, We Can’t: https://knowbeforeyoufly.org/home

Smoke Information: Visit CDPHE - Colorado.gov/AirQuality to learn about protecting yourself from wildfire smoke. For more information on current air quality go to Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov) and zoom in on Southwest Colorado. 

Fire Prevention: Fire managers would like to remind everyone to be attentive to their actions and surroundings, especially in areas with dry vegetation or dead/down trees. Preventing new fires is the most important thing anyone can do to help firefighters. Practice smart wildfire prevention behavior including never leaving a campfire unattended, and ensuring fires are completely out and cold. Make sure trailer chains don’t drag and dispose of smoking materials properly.  Every spark can start a fire!  

For additional information:

Montrose County Sheriff’s Office: https://montrosecountysheriffsoffice.com/bucktail-fire

Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control: https://dfpc.colorado.gov

Bureau of Land Management Southwest Colorado District, Uncompahgre Field Office: https://www.facebook.com/BLMMontroseFireUnit

West Slope Fire Information website: www.WestSlopeFireInfo.com

GMUG Fire Information https://www.facebook.com/GMUGFireInfo

Road Closures Montrose County: https://www.facebook.com/MontroseCountySO

Bucktail Fire Information Hotline: (970) 823-4060